Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:55 AM AWST
22/07/2026 4:55 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Maintain basic rotary wing aircraft systems
Maintain basic rotary wing aircraft systems
Unit of competency
National Code
MEA352A
MEA352A
State Code
D4464
D4464
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
10/05/2012
Field of Education
031503 - Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Original Release Date
10/05/2012
Nominal Hours
110
Description
This unit of competency is part of the Mechanical Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathway. It covers the competencies required to maintain basic rotary wing aircraft rotors, rotor control systems, airframe systems and components. Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the applicable Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence under CASR Part 66, in accordance with the licensing provisions in Section 3, Assessment Guidelines.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Inspect rotor and rotor control systems and components
- 1.1. Isolation and warning signs are fitted/installed to the system or related systems and the aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations orders and standards and practices
- 1.2. Rotor and rotor control system is visually or physically checked/inspected for external signs of defects in accordance with relevant aircraft publications maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
- 1.3. Defects are identified and recorded in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
2. Inspect basic rotary wing airframe systems
- 2.1. Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including system defect reports, where relevant, are used to identify specific inspection requirements
- 2.2. Isolation tags are checked and aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual
- 2.3. Airframe system components are visually or physically checked for external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual
- 2.4. Defects are correctly identified and reported
3. Ground test rotor and rotor control systems
- 3.1. Aircraft and system prepared in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations orders and standards and practices, for the operation of engine and rotor system
- 3.2. Rotor and rotor control system are functionally tested in accordance with relevant aircraft publications maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices for evidence of malfunction
- 3.3. System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
4. Test/adjust basic rotary wing airframe systems and components
- 4.1. Aircraft and system are prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for the application of power/system operation
- 4.2. Airframe system is functionally tested, in accordance with maintenance manual, for evidence of serviceability or malfunction
- 4.3. System adjustment is performed in accordance with maintenance manual
5. Troubleshoot rotor and rotor control systems
- 5.1. Available information from aircraft maintenance documentation, inspection and test results is used to assist in fault determination
- 5.2. Relevant aircraft publication fault diagnosis guide and logical processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting
- 5.3. Specialist advice is obtained to assist with the troubleshooting process
- 5.4. Rotor and rotor control system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and recorded in aircraft maintenance documentation in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
- 5.5. Fault rectification requirements are determined
6. Troubleshoot basic rotary wing airframe systems
- 6.1. Available information from maintenance documentation, inspection and test results is used, where necessary, to assist in fault determination
- 6.2. Maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides and logic processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting
- 6.3. Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process
- 6.4. Airframe system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required, in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
- 6.5. Rectification requirements are determined
7. Remove and install rotary wing rotor and rotor system components
- 7.1. System is rendered safe and prepared in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices, and isolation and warning signs are installed/fitted to ensure personnel safety
- 7.2. Rotor and rotor system component removal is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
- 7.3. Required aircraft maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
- 7.4. Removed components are labelled, sealed and packaged in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
- 7.5. Rotor or rotor system component to be installed is checked to confirm correct part or model numbers, modification status and serviceability
- 7.6. Mass balance of rotor blades/head is checked in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
- 7.7. Installation is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
- 7.8. Support/safety equipment is removed at the appropriate time to ensure personnel safety and freedom from structural damage
8. Remove and install rotor control system components
- 8.1. System is rendered safe and prepared in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices, and isolation and warning signs are installed/fitted to ensure personnel safety
- 8.2. Rotary wing flight control system component removal is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
- 8.3. Required aircraft maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
- 8.4. Removed components are labelled, sealed and packaged in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
- 8.5. Rotary wing flight control system components to be installed are checked to confirm correct part or model numbers, modification status and serviceability
- 8.6. Installation is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
- 8.7. Support/safety equipment is removed at the appropriate time to ensure personnel safety and freedom from structural damage
- 8.8. Required aircraft maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
9. Remove and install basic rotary wing airframe system components
- 9.1. System is rendered safe in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual and isolation tags are fitted, where necessary, to ensure personnel safety
- 9.2. Airframe system component removal is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual.
- 9.3. Required maintenance documentation is accurately completed and correctly processed
- 9.4. Removed components are tagged, sealed and packaged in accordance with specified procedures
- 9.5. Components to be installed are checked to confirm correct part numbers, serviceability and modification status
- 9.6. Mass balance of control surfaces to be installed is checked in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual, if required
- 9.7. Installation is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual
- 9.8. Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Note
Range statements listed below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide
Rotor and rotor control system
Rotor and rotor control system components may include:
1. Main rotor blades and tail rotor blades
2. Rotor heads, swash plates and tail rotor pitch control assemblies
3. Mechanical flight control components (collective and cyclic pitch levers, rudder pedals, cables, pulleys, guides, fairleads, bellcranks, rods, torque tubes, chains and sprockets)
4. Main rotor, intermediate or tail rotor gearboxes
5. Drive shafts and couplings
Engine and rotor system operation
The operation of engine and rotor system:
must be performed by a qualified pilot
Airframe systems and components
Airframe systems may include:
6. Fuel systems
7. Cabin heating systems
Airframe system components may include:
8. Rigid or flexible fuel tanks, selector/shutoff valves and rigid or flexible plumbing
9. Cabin heater ducting and control valves
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting involves the use of test sets, downloaded maintenance data and fault-finding charts or similar, to line replacement level
Application
Application of this unit may relate to:
scheduled or unscheduled maintenance
individual or team-related activities
Procedures and requirements
Refer to industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise
Note
Range statements listed below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide
Rotor and rotor control system
Rotor and rotor control system components may include:
1. Main rotor blades and tail rotor blades
2. Rotor heads, swash plates and tail rotor pitch control assemblies
3. Mechanical flight control components (collective and cyclic pitch levers, rudder pedals, cables, pulleys, guides, fairleads, bellcranks, rods, torque tubes, chains and sprockets)
4. Main rotor, intermediate or tail rotor gearboxes
5. Drive shafts and couplings
Engine and rotor system operation
The operation of engine and rotor system:
must be performed by a qualified pilot
Airframe systems and components
Airframe systems may include:
6. Fuel systems
7. Cabin heating systems
Airframe system components may include:
8. Rigid or flexible fuel tanks, selector/shutoff valves and rigid or flexible plumbing
9. Cabin heater ducting and control valves
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting involves the use of test sets, downloaded maintenance data and fault-finding charts or similar, to line replacement level
Application
Application of this unit may relate to:
scheduled or unscheduled maintenance
individual or team-related activities
Procedures and requirements
Refer to industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to inspect, test and troubleshoot basic rotary wing aircraft rotor, rotor control and airframe systems and remove and install rotors, and a range of rotor control and airframe system components that is representative of the scope of the listed variables in accordance with relevant maintenance manual instructions while applying all relevant OHS procedures and standard processes.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of inspection, testing and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) associated with the, rotors, rotor control systems, airframe systems and components of basic rotary wing aircraft. It is essential that relevant procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical.
Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing, troubleshooting and component removal and installation is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a range of rotors, rotor control systems, airframe systems and components as listed in the Range Statement. The application of testing procedures should clearly indicate knowledge of system operation, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems (if applicable) within the limits of the aircraft/system fault-finding guide before undertaking any action. The work plan should take account of applicable safety and quality requirements in accordance with the industry and regulatory standards.
A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements of this unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on groups listed in the Range Statement, as follows:
at least one component from each of Groups 1 to 7
a representative range of components from Groups 8 and 9.
This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency should be assessed in the work environment or simulated work environment using tools and equipment specified in maintenance documentation. It is also expected that general purpose tools and test equipment found in most routine situations would be used where appropriate.
Method of assessment
Guidance information for assessment
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to inspect, test and troubleshoot basic rotary wing aircraft rotor, rotor control and airframe systems and remove and install rotors, and a range of rotor control and airframe system components that is representative of the scope of the listed variables in accordance with relevant maintenance manual instructions while applying all relevant OHS procedures and standard processes.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of inspection, testing and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) associated with the, rotors, rotor control systems, airframe systems and components of basic rotary wing aircraft. It is essential that relevant procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical.
Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing, troubleshooting and component removal and installation is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a range of rotors, rotor control systems, airframe systems and components as listed in the Range Statement. The application of testing procedures should clearly indicate knowledge of system operation, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems (if applicable) within the limits of the aircraft/system fault-finding guide before undertaking any action. The work plan should take account of applicable safety and quality requirements in accordance with the industry and regulatory standards.
A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements of this unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on groups listed in the Range Statement, as follows:
at least one component from each of Groups 1 to 7
a representative range of components from Groups 8 and 9.
This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency should be assessed in the work environment or simulated work environment using tools and equipment specified in maintenance documentation. It is also expected that general purpose tools and test equipment found in most routine situations would be used where appropriate.
Method of assessment
Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUD72 | MEA352 | Maintain basic rotary wing aircraft systems | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D744 | MEA40711 | Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical) | Qualification |
| D741 | MEA30211 | Certificate III in Aeroskills (Mechatronics) | Qualification |
| D746 | MEA41011 | Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechatronics) | Qualification |